Cabin moments- Part I- The kids

This Summer we had a few weekends up at the cabin.  We always  love being there and definetly missed it last year when we didn’t go once! It is usually a place of relaxation, LOTS of food and treats, and good sleep.  WELL, with 8 kids and 3 babies all under the age of 11 it is not AS relaxing, and the morning are usually full of SHHHHs and don’t wake up….., but makes for some fun times and memories.  Here are a few favorite snap shots from the summer of the cousins.

Hangin’ around the cabin, being creative with whatever was around. Emily and Hannah are the oldest cousins, they help out a LOT with the youngins.  Maddie adores them.

The porch swing, a favorite seat for as many as can fit on!Looks like there is room for more!

Dave beating them up… or playing good uncle, take your guess.  Playing out front.  We love this area.  This last time we were up there the kids played tag for HOURS.  The grass/shrubbery was pretty matted down when we left.  (Brynn did not cause the damage, but quietly cheered them on.)

Swinging is another favorite, it is also a good lesson in sharing and watching out for others. There are usually a few bumps and bruises.

Going on walks is one of my favorites.  It can be a little stressful when the younger kids go close to the river,  (or I am just a worry wart) but it is always beautiful and great to get out.

Eating. Eating and more Eating.  I feel like we OVEREAT at the cabin, but there is always too much good food to pass up!  I love this little table, the classic orange placemats, colorful dishes, church bench and boosters for the kids, and the way we cram all of us in.  Cabin breakfasts seem to taste so much better than any other breakfast! AND you don’t have to dress up fancy, in fact jammies and scruff are usually the way to go!

Throwing sticks and rocks over the bridge. (or being creative like Chels and Chase and making a fire in the middle of the road.

Racing down the Road.. Logan, the oldest, won.  (can you tell how excited he was?)

Week of Firsts

First Day of Preschool.  She loved all they did and couldn’t wait for the second day.  She said goodbye and didn’t even turn around to watch me leave.  It took me a few minutes to leave, watching her to make sure she was okay, and because it was the first time I left her in hands of people I don’t really know.  She is getting too big!

First Day of Dance with Mrs. Nanette.  Tap, ballet, creative moment, tumbling, rest time, who could as for more in one hour?! She was the “wake up princess” and had a GREAT time!

(We’ll work on posing another time)

The faith of a 3 year old

This morning's prayer had the typical bless this food, help us to be safe and healthy, but then she went off on a limb...

Please bless us that we can play and have fun today and that the carpet won't stink. (We just had the basement carpet pulled up and new carpet installed because of previous renter's cats)

Then she said, "Please bless that Kristy's baby can get here safely and that she won't get fat." Yes that is right she prayed that Kristy wouldn't get fat- I just told her a couple weeks ago that i needed to go running because I had a fat belly. When she asked why, I told her that I ate too much when I was pregnant with Maddie and now I just cannot get it off, and I STILL eat too much. Guess she has been thinking about that in regards to Kristy's pregnancy. HA!

This afternoon she said she prayed that she wouldn't have any more diarrhea.

She is Hilarious AND I cannot help but want that kind of faith. (:

9 months and cannot keep up with her!

I tried to do my typical photo shoot to show how big she gets every month.  I love how it shows what they are doing as well as size.  However, now that she is crawling, I wasn’t able to catch many shots before she almost crawled off. 

Anna wanted to be the photographer for a moment, these are her photos….

Not to bad for a 3 year old eh?

Then I had to catch a few photos of the sisters (Anna still in her jammies). Can you tell they love each other? Anna adores Maddie! And if I could capture the moment Maddie sees Anna each moment it would be a priceless photo.

As far as 9 month stats go….

I still haven’t taken her to the doc for her 9 month check up, but she is about 16.5 pounds and (I’ll measure her tomorrow for the length).

Started crawling a little on her 9 month birthday and today is a FULL crawler! I need to baby proof a little bit better as she is definitely mischievous.  She also wants to be SO independent.

Today she started to growl like a lion.  She babbles all day long.  Loves to sign all done to tell me exactly that, when she is DONE with something.  It’s rather convenient.  Now I need to work on the other signs a bit more.

Has two teeth just barely breaking the skin (this week has NOT been a fun one as she has been uncomfortable).

Still a HORRIBLE napper, much like big sister was at this age. Though she has been sleeping through the night and wakes up at 6ish to eat then sleeps again until 8ish.

She just started this whiney cry which I hope doesn’t stay too long.

She is SO curious. And tries things over and over. She has a will of her own and is very picky about certain things.

Doesn’t like to eat sweet stuff, but LOVES veggies, pasta, crackers, and bread.  Will eat baby puffs all day long.

FINALLY took a bottle last week, which I think has helped her sleeping as I think she is finally getting a full tummy.

LOVES Mia, the dog, and will crawl to wherever she is and let her lick her like crazy. 

She is, as usual, a pure joy.  Her smile is addicting.  He snuggles are to die for. And her giggles are too cute. I need a clock to slow time down!!!

Love you Mads!